Amid increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, India and Iran are actively working to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, this week. This would mark the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders since Pezeshkian took office in July.
The ongoing unrest in West Asia is expected to be a significant topic at the summit, especially with Russian President Vladimir Putin inviting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate. Iran is closely aligned with Russia on various regional and global issues and aims to solidify a strategic partnership with Moscow during this visit.
The situation has escalated, with Israel targeting Iran's allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, through decisive actions against their leadership. In retaliation, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on October 1, and the threat of further Israeli strikes continues to loom over the region. Putin has expressed willingness to mediate between the conflicting parties if requested.
Earlier this year, Modi congratulated Pezeshkian on his presidential election, expressing a desire to enhance the long-standing bilateral relationship for mutual benefit. Logistical issues prevented a potential meeting at the UN General Assembly last month. If the meeting occurs, Modi is likely to voice concerns over civilian casualties, advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, and emphasize the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating in West Asia while also condemning terrorism.
Modi conveyed a similar message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month after meeting Abbas at the UNGA, demonstrating India’s complex diplomatic position that seeks to maintain balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine.
Notably, during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Russia earlier this year, India joined other member states in condemning Israel’s military actions in Rafah, expressing serious concerns over Israel’s disregard for international law and UN resolutions. However, India abstained from voting on a recent UNGA resolution calling for an end to Israel's presence in occupied Palestinian territory, which was passed with 124 votes in favor.
PM Modi to Attend Expanded BRICS Summit in Russia on October 22-23